Read More

However, after analysing data on more than 10,000 children born in the UK at the turn of the new century, they found that 17% of UK parents have let their children drink alcohol by the age of 14.

It’s a controversial topic, and our readers have given their thoughts. Check out the best of the best:

Karen Bickerstaffe said: “I think if they are allowed the odd one a year in front of you so supervised it’s better than them having two or three behind your back unsupervised.”

Tobii-Rhea Vine-Starr said: “Mine have been allowed the odd alcopop since about 12 at Xmas etc. My younger kids are allowed a sip at Xmas. I very rarely drink now maybe once a year if that but used to drink ALOT. When I would drink I would let them have a small drink with us now and again. Now the eldest are 17 and 19 and are very sensible drinkers. They get to tipsy and stop drinking. I have bought them alcohol and allowed them to go to house parties from about 16 and they were still sensible.”

Read More

Linda Arnold said: “Has drinking alcohol become something you are expected to do like learning to drive when you get to a certain age? It’s madness, children watch soaps and instead of having a cup of tea they all seem to open a bottle of wine! I think common sense should be taught before alcohol...and let’s face it there’s not a lot of that around.”

Ann-Marie Wheatley said: “Five for a tiny sip if they ask to try at Xmas at home but nothing strong (my kids haven’t asked...yet!) 16 when out for a meal. 18 when out and not having a meal. Just following the law.”

Rob Weeks said: “Across much of Europe 14-year-olds are allowed access to basic alcoholic drinks (much like shandy), so removing the the sudden threshold that we have in the UK when they are let loose on beer/wine/vodka/gin/whisky simultaneously at 18. This appears to result in a more sensible approach to alcohol than is common in the UK.”

Timothy Luke John Paul said: “Don’t encourage, they will find it themselves the best thing to do is make them aware of the dangers of alcohol but not saying alcohol is bad it’s ok in moderation.”

Debbie Hewitt said: “21, they have a whole life ahead of them to drink.”